KP Sharma

The government’s plan to establish chiwog schools, a key election promise, will depend on sustainability and student enrolment levels, Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa said.

Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its pledges during the Meet-the-Press session yesterday but stressed that initiatives like chiwog schools must consider sustainability and student enrolment.

“If there are not enough students in an area or if an existing school serves the community well, setting up a new chiwog school may not be practical,” she said.

She assured that the government will establish chiwog schools in areas with a clear and critical need for educational facilities to ensure equitable access to quality education.

According to the ministry, the total enrolment across dzongkhags and thromdes stands at 148,472, compared to a holding capacity of 178,432, indicating a surplus of 29,960.

With a surplus intake capacity of 29,960 in public schools, a thorough assessment is necessary to optimise the use of existing resources.

“Wherever it is critically necessary and sustainable, the government remains committed to opening new community schools,” Lyonpo said.

When asked about the alignment of chiwog and central schools with the ministry’s strategic priorities, Lyonpo said that the plan would fully support both the ministry’s goals and the government’s political commitments.

The vision for community schools is also rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2024, recently endorsed by the Cabinet. The NEP emphasises equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their geographic location.

Lyonpo highlighted the ministry’s commitment to ensuring quality education for students in remote and underserved areas.

“To this end, equal focus will be placed on developing schools in these areas, ensuring our commitment to equitable education is met,” she said.

This approach supports the objectives of the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) and aligns with the broader goals outlined in the NEP 2024.